Why Isn’t The Law of Giving and Receiving Working For Me?
Are you one of those people that’s always giving and helping others, but for whatever
reason nothing is being returned to you?
During these difficult economic times trying to make ends meet. It’s okay to ask when someone will offer you a helping hand, especially knowing the good that you’ve done for others. This is a mystery that, from the surface, seems hard to explain.
The Bible gives clear instructions as to not only how we should give but the manner in which we should give in. However, before we get into the spiritual rules concerning spiritual giving, let me share a true story with you.
There are folks I know personally, but one person, in particular, is naturally generous. This particular person has given thousands monetarily and assisted hundreds of folks, including family, friends, and sometimes their enemies. I would say that this person is the personification of giving. Now, you would think such a person would live in abundance, right? Well, if you said yes, then I am sorry to say you’re wrong!
What I failed to mention in the above resume of my generous friend is that he loves to boast and brag about what he has done for others and literally points out and calls by name whom he had done it for. In other words, his genuine kindness is always accompanied by self-aggrandizement.
You’re probably saying, “What does this have to do with his receiving in return for all the giving he’s done?” Here is what the Bible says about giving, but before I do that, let me define the word “alms,” which the Bible mentions in the passage of Scripture we are about to get into. The word alms is defined as money, food, or other donations given to the poor or needy; anything given in charity.
“Take heed that you do not give your alms before men, to be seen by them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before others (bragging and boasting, making know the goods deed you’ve done) as the hypocrites do in church and in the streets, that they may have glory of men, truly I say unto you, that is their reward” Matthew 6:1-2.
Scripture clearly explains how we ought to genuinely give. “But when you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand has done. Instead, let your alms be done in secret and God who sees all things, including those things done in secret, shall reward you openly or everyone will know that you’re blessed” Matthew 6:3-4.
So you see, my friend Scripture has unlocked this mystery regarding those who are givers but are not receiving as they should according to the scriptures, especially based on the amount of giving and assistance they’ve rendered to others. Their boasting, bragging, and sounding a trumpet of their actions for others has become their reward. While those who have secretly assisted and given to others will be blessed publicly by God, who has promised to do so.
My words of wisdom are simply this, avoid giving yourself an immediate reward by sounding the trumpet of what you have done for others. Instead, whatever and whenever you decide to provide or assist others, do it in secret and let God be the one to bless you openly.
Written By: Kevin L A Ewing
ewinglakevin@icloud.com
